My New One of a Kind Retrobird Collectible

[2K2BIRD]

I feel very fortunate to have just recently added another extremely rare (there's only one) retrobird scale model to my collection. The Evening Black beauty measures approximately 15 inches long which translates to around 1:12th scale. In this picture taken by the seller, you can see the size in comparison to a Torch Red 1:18th scale diecast.

The model is primarily made out of resin and as such is pretty darn fragile, so it is not 100% mint. In fact it has a few issues that just can't be fixed without some exceptionally serious modeling skills and fabrication abilities, but considering it is likely close to 20 years old and was probably never meant to last, it presents pretty well. The two biggest issues is that the driver's side rearview mirror and the gear shift handle is missing.

The seller is a current diecast designer for Maisto/Bburago. He provided this description when I asked him about the history of this particular model:

I wish I had more information on the display. It was done before I arrived at the company. I can tell you, it's a one-of-a-kind model. It was made for the company's show room in New York, at the Javits Center, for the release of FORD's Thunderbird. It has been stored in our Fontana archive room ever since.This is an awesome piece of history, enjoy!

While it is not perfect, it is still very cool and I'm happy to add this piece to my other one-off Maisto prototypes.

1-12th Scale.jpg

[Quickdraw]

Congratulations Paul. Great acquisition!!

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Congratulations Paul! The two rarest I've got are Charlie's German Pewter one of 30 I believe and the small Neiman Marcus with a broken wiper.

[5bird7]

Congratulations Paul. quite a find.

[merlot4]

Very impressive!

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

What a find, the only way it could be better is if it were Torch Red.

[2K2BIRD]

What a find, the only way it could be better is if it were Torch Red.

You are absolutely right about that, Ron.

[Skip]

I feel very fortunate to have just recently added another extremely rare (there's only one) retrobird scale model to my collection. The Evening Black beauty measures approximately 15 inches long which translates to around 1:12th scale. In this picture taken by the seller, you can see the size in comparison to a Torch Red 1:18th scale diecast.

The model is primarily made out of resin and as such is pretty darn fragile, so it is not 100% mint. In fact it has a few issues that just can't be fixed without some exceptionally serious modeling skills and fabrication abilities, but considering it is likely close to 20 years old and was probably never meant to last, it presents pretty well. The two biggest issues is that the driver's side rearview mirror and the gear shift handle is missing.

The seller is a current diecast designer for Maisto/Bburago. He provided this description when I asked him about the history of this particular model:

I wish I had more information on the display. It was done before I arrived at the company. I can tell you, it's a one-of-a-kind model. It was made for the company's show room in New York, at the Javits Center, for the release of FORD's Thunderbird. It has been stored in our Fontana archive room ever since.This is an awesome piece of history, enjoy!

While it is not perfect, it is still very cool and I'm happy to add this piece to my other one-off Maisto prototypes.

1-12th Scale.jpg

What a great find. You seem to have a knack for this. You have me back to checking every eBay posting every day again. I don’t recall seeing this at the Maisto exhibit and I was going to Toy Fair every year back at the time this would likely have been on display. If you have the contact info for the seller it might be interesting to find out why they never produced more colors in the 1:64 size version. I had a contact at Maisto but I think he has moved on either at the company or out. I think I told the group that I investigated doing additional colors on my own but the minimum number per color I was told and the cost per unit made it prohibitive. Unless every TBN member bought one, maybe. If I remember correctly it was about 3000 units per color. When I win the big lottery I might reconsider. Then again I need to play the lottery too.

[Tbear]

Congrats Paul! Very Nice!

[snowbird]

Could not think of a better caretaker Paul. You the man . congrats on the find .

[2K2BIRD]

If you have the contact info for the seller it might be interesting to find out why they never produced more colors in the 1:64 size version.

I sent him the question, but since he's in design, he may not have any connection to the production side of the business. We'll see if he replies.

My other contact at Maisto retired. He told me that Ford had to okay every color change. I suppose that could mean they would have to pay Ford more as well. I've noticed that most if not all of the cars in their Fresh Metal line only come in a couple of colors. They've made millions of their '56 Thunderbird in Red and Turquoise.

[5bird7]

kids toys - that age group changes every year with new ones growing up.

[Skip]

I sent him the question, but since he's in design, he may not have any connection to the production side of the business. We'll see if he replies.

My other contact at Maisto retired. He told me that Ford had to okay every color change. I suppose that could mean they would have to pay Ford more as well. I've noticed that most if not all of the cars in their Fresh Metal line only come in a couple of colors. They've made millions of their '56 Thunderbird in Red and Turquoise.

Makes sense. I thought they might ask if I wanted to split the cost of a run back in the day but that would still have been way too rich for my blood. If they had done more colors I would hope that Merlot or PCR would have been their decision making. But red might have been a choice since it gets more attention on the blister pack rack.

[BirdsAndBugs]

Congratulations Paul. Another nice addition for your collection.

[jim heath]

That’s awesome Paul, Congratulations!!!